My quick browse through Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLOA)’s website left me dreaming of a vacation Down Under. The collective offers 20 independently owned and operated lodges and tented camps scattered across a wide range of breathtaking landscapes.
One such location is El Questro Homestead, perched high above Chamberlain Gorge in Western Australia, with 10 private suites. Another, Longitude 131°, a luxury eco-lodge in the Northern Territory, lies at the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Established in 2010, LLOA’s founding members include James and Hayley Baillie (Baillie Lodges), Alla Wolf-Tasker AM (Lake House), and Phillipa Harrison, the new CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
“In international markets, our luxury style was poorly understood. Most of the lodges are small, with between four and 40 rooms, so it was difficult to gain individual recognition and traction. However, as a collective, we champion a deeper appreciation of Australian experiential luxury,” says Penny Rafferty, Executive Chair.
Rather than being just accommodations, these are experiences in and of themselves. In addition to refined interiors, they offer more than 350 unique experiences that connect guests to the land and local culture through partnerships with some 4,000 homegrown businesses. Among them are wine brands House of Arras and Penfolds, as well as indigenous guides such as Jarramali Rock Art Tours.
Rafferty says it’s about connecting to a place through experience. “These lodges are like luxurious base camps, places to unwind after a day of exploring. While they provide soft luxuries like good food, drink, and sleeping, the real magic comes from the people, the craftsmanship, and the stories behind each place.”
For instance, a guided four-wheel drive tour into rugged ranges and sweeping valleys is available at Bullo River Station, southwest of Darwin. North of Sydney in Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House offers guests a day trip through Hunter Valley that begins with scenic drives along convict routes, followed by drinks at the historic Wollombi Tavern. The best time to visit Down Under is now, if you’re looking for the unbeaten and underrated.
Direct flights are available from Singapore Airlines and Qantas to places like Darwin, Cairns, Adelaide, and Perth, and take between five and six hours. For now, we look forward to our next LLOA adventure.
